After the end of the war with the Loire of the Blue Griffin, the cruel King Richard was replaced on the throne of Saint-Marco by his young son Joan. He is determined to forever end the endless wars with the Alcorians, so that peace and prosperity will reign forever in the vastness of both kingdoms. He is supported by loyal friends and dignitaries, but there are also those who are accustomed to living off the war, seeing in it both a source of income and power, and the only opportunity to become famous by proving their knightly valor. Someone is spreading evil rumors in the capital and spreading libels about the king's associates, trying to turn the people against peace negotiations. An attempt has been made on the king's friend, Marquis Delvin-Elidir. The criminal is captured and imprisoned awaiting trial and execution. However, Marc de Segur does not believe that this man is guilty. At the risk of incurring the king's wrath, he nevertheless seeks a postponement of the trial and begins his own investigation into this incident.